‘Police Impersonators’ Sought In Miami Lakes Home-Invasion Robbery

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami-Dade police detectives are asking the public’s help with information leading to the arrest of a couple of “police impersonators,” accused of taking about $30,000 worth of jewelry and sports memorabilia during a home invasion.

The homeowner named Anthony who was victimized did not want to reveal his last name but he wanted to speak out. His family members also shared a montage of photographs of the suspects in this case.

They are seen on surveillance tape from Miami-Dade Police methodically walking up to the home, knocking on the front door and then entering.

They are later seen carting several duffel bags to their white Chevrolet Silverado whose Tag is covered.

(Credit: Miami-Dade Police Department)

In a telephone conversation with CBS4’s Peter D’Oench, Anthony said, “I feel really violated by these men. My emotions are running high with the frustration they put on my family. I am really scared. I have a 5-year-old son and we are watching out now. I know I was targetted. This was not random. I have spoken with police investigators and while I can not talk about that investigation, this will come out in the end. I just feel like honestly I was hurt.”

Anthony said “We don’t know if these men will come back or what plans they have. They obviously used the F.B.I. Lettering on one of their bulletproof vests to get in and then they kidnapped my workers—-a construction man and a cleaning lady—-and put them in the bathroom. I would like the public if they recognize to call in about them. These are bad men. And I am offering a $1,000 reward of my own in addition to what Crime Stoppers is offering. I hope people will do the good thing and get these people off the street so nobody will have to go through what I went through.”

“This could have been a lot worse,” said Anthony. “Fortunately no one was hurt.”

Antony’s mother, who also did not want to show her face or reveal her name, said she was flabbergasted by what happened.

“I mean at 12 noon they did this,” she said. “This is bad. I feel confused and I feel scared. It has never happened before in this neighborhood.”

Police said it happened January 30th, in the 15000 block of NW 87th Court, in Miami Lakes.

Investigators said two men arrived at the residence in a white Chevrolet Silverado with a covered tag.

Detectives said the home’s owner was not at the residence at the time, but that there were two people inside the home visiting. Anthony described them as workers.

Police said the suspects knocked on the front door and when one of the occupants opened it, he noticed one of the men was wearing a bulletproof vest with the letters “FBI.” Both of the home’s occupants were taken to a bathroom and were told to stay inside, according to authorities.

When the victims exited the bathroom, they noticed both suspects had fled, police said.

The victim’s brother, who also did not want to show his face or reveal his name, told D’Oench, “The guys ransacked the house and took all the most valuable stuff. We are remodeling and put everything in the garage. I feel very bad. This is serious stuff and they could come back. I feel like they have done it before and will do it again. It is pretty brazen. They knew what they were doing.

Authorities said the suspects made off with duffel bags containing jewelry and sports memorabilia.